Trans fat elimination must be made permanent

Jun 21, 2015Enoch Antwi

Trans fat use is not the best way to preserve foods. Manufacturers must develop innovative and healthier ways for food preservation.

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Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an important move to eliminate trans fat from processed foods. This is a major victory in the campaign to protect and promote the health of consumers worldwide.

The consumption of trans fat connects to various coronary heart diseases. Experts believe that daily intake of trans fat results in a steady accumulation of plaque in our arteries. And eventually, cause heart attacks.

The campaign against trans fat

In 2002, a study at the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine established a link between the consumption of trans fat and the gradual build-up of bad cholesterol. According to the study, this is also the causative agent of increased heart diseases globally.

The attempt by the FDA to eliminate trans fat is not a new campaign. As far back in 2006, the agency required all food manufacturers in the US to label the amount of trans fat intake on their products. This was to enable consumers to make informed choices in trans fat intake.

Many processed foods, which include frozen canned and baked foods, contain trans fat. Most often, it is used to prolong the shelf life of these foods. Some manufacturers are candid to list the amount of serving per consumption on the nutrition facts label of foods sold in grocery stores.

But, a great number of companies continue to use partially hydrogenated oil trans fat in foods like coffee creamers, stick margarine, biscuits, and many other frozen foods.

The practice has caused the FDA to render the hydrogenated artificial oil substance as unsafe and has issued a 3-year period for all food manufacturers to phase out the use of this unhealthy substance.

Require zero tolerance for trans fat

It is now up to consumers to be more vigilant in their food choices. Even an inconsiderable amount of trans fat under 0.5 grams in food packaging can build up over time and eventually cause heart attacks.

The Business Frontal is of the view that consumers must play their respective part by making good food choices. It is also necessary for food manufacturers across the globe to find innovative ways and safe methods to preserve foods.

We encourage the FDA to continue its inspection and enforce the elimination of trans fat in any form possible in our foods. This is what we believe as an effective solution to the problem. We must ensure zero tolerance for bad cholesterol.

Enoch Antwi

Enoch Antwi is the managing editor at The Business Frontal. He worked as a business and an environmental journalist in the late 1990s with the Business and Financial Times. His passion is to provide on-demand valuable information and insights on business, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovative technologies, and principles for corporate success in today's business world.